Improvement in flood-fences



D. T. DEFFENBAUGH.

Flood-Fences.

" 'wmmssisa I N I monms.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

DAVID T. .DEFFENBAUGH, OF LILLY CHAPEL, OHIO.

IMPROVEMENT IN FLOOD-FENCES.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 154,378, dated August25, 1874 application filed June 13, 1874.

thus allowing the gates to swing out with the current. The improvementrelates chiefly to the mode or means of suspending the gate at its upperend, as hereinafter described and claimed.

Similar letters of reference indicate, corresponding parts.

A are two posts, which are set in the ground at such a depth that theywill be firmly supported, and which may also be braced upon the lower ordown-stream side. B'is the gate or panel, which may be of any lengththat will be self-supportin g. To the upper corners of the panel B-arepivoted the lower ends of two arms or bars, (3, the upper ends of whichare pivoted to the inner sides of the upper ends of the posts A, so thatthe panel B may be supported by, and may swing freely upon, the saidbars C. To the lower parts of the ends of the panel B are attached twolatches,

D, to catch upon two catches, E, attached to the lower part of the innersides of the posts A, to hold the panel in place and adapt it to serveas a fence.

With this construction, as the water rises it raises or floats the panelB, so as to unlatch the latches D from the catches E, which allows thepanel to swing down with the current. Should, however, the panel notrise with the water, the pressure of the water against the upper part ofsaid panel will cause said upper part to swing forward, which will drawthe latches D out of the catches E, when the panel will swing down withthe current.

When occasion requires, the gate may be suspended to swing horizontallyby detaching bars 0 and connecting the hook H to the upper part of thegate by catching it around-one of the pickets, or in any. other suitablemanner, and by reversing bar F so that it may form with hook G the lowerhinge.

Having thus described myinvention, I claim as new and desire to secureby Letters Patent In combination with the gate B, having the lowerfastenings D-E, the flexible means-of suspension, consisting of the bars0 G, pivoted at their respective ends to the top of the posts A, and thegate or panel, as shown and described, for the purpose specified.

D. T. DEFFENBAUGH.

Witnesses:

JEREMIAH HARDWIOK, HENRY LILLY.

